STEVEN TAYLOR is in line to make his first Newcastle United start since the turn of the year this weekend when he hopes to be part of “something special” to kick-start the season at Old Trafford.

Taylor made his only competitive appearance since New Year’s Day when he was introduced as a second half substitute during Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Swansea City.

The pending suspension of Daryl Janmaat, red carded for two cautions against the Swans, means Steve McClaren will have to have a reshuffle when the Magpies head for Manchester United on Saturday.

Taylor, who missed the last five months of last season with ankle ligament damage, is expected to be asked to slot into the back four, with summer signing Chancel Mbemba moving out to fill the void at right-back.

Newcastle will head to Manchester knowing they could do with surprising Louis van Gaal’s side, who have won their first two Premier League matches, after picking up just a point from the opening two fixtures of the campaign.

Taylor said: “We are trying hard to get our first win of the season. There’s no shortage of confidence from the players. We went to Swansea believing we could win the game and had a gameplan to do it.

“But unfortunately Swansea played better than us. We have to accept that and take it on the chin.

“All we can do is move on. We have a massive week ahead of us, and it’s important we get down to the training ground, get grafting and look forward to the Man United game. Old Trafford is a great place to play and hopefully it can inspire us to do something pretty special.”

McClaren is still exploring ways of adding to his squad before the transfer window closes on September 1. He does not expect any further arrivals before he returns to the club where he was Sir Alex Ferguson’s No 2.

A new defender is being considered, but progress is believed to have been made in pursuit of Marseille playmaker Florian Thauvin.

The Frenchman has hinted he could leave if Newcastle agree to the £12m valuation. Remy Cabella could be a key part of any deal and reports in France claim Thauvin is ready to fly to Newcastle for a medical.

And a player likely to be on his way out is Slovenian Haris Vuckic. The 22-year-old spent a chunk of last season on loan at Rangers, who are interested in taking him back to Ibrox.

Vuckic, speaking in the Slovenian media, said: “It’s true, I’m going. I spoke with the coach who did not see me in his plans, so we all together decided that was the best way for me.

“I respect the decision of the coach and go on. I think I am well prepared and even more so, I am determined. I want somewhere where I will play.”

Vuckic’s Newcastle Under-21s team-mate Adam Armstong has stunned Coventry boss Tony Mowbray with his performances – and doesn’t expect him to be away from Tyneside for long.

Armstrong has scored four goals in two appearances for the Sky Blues and there is a 24-hour release clause in his loan contract.

Mowbray said: “He’s playing for a massive club and struggled to get a game, but I would say whoever’s playing for Newcastle must be a hell of a player to keep this kid out of the team.

“I’ve managed in the Premier League and the defenders are all quick and massive. It’s a different kettle of fish (with him) but we’re delighted to have him here.”

Newcastle United's Capital One Cup second round tie at home against Northampton Town will take place on Tuesday, August 25 (7.45pm kick-off).